Message from the President

When I got the call asking me to serve as President of the Monterey Bay Chapter of AFP this year I had the same reaction I suspect most of you do when asked to add one more thing to your plate. Though honored, I was torn. Really... where was I to fit it in? Reflecting back on two events I was involved in this past year reinforced my belief that our professional organization is responsible to foster exceptional standards of practice and provide tools to enable people to rise to the highest level of effective, creative, and integrity-filled fundraising.

Last year, planning for our 'Fundraising Day' we sought out presenters who were cutting edge contributors to our field; people who could challenge us to think differently about our work and who could demonstrate not mere theory, but tested concepts that would provide us mechanisms for strengthening our programs. The dynamic interchange between the attendees and the presenters demonstrated participants' eagerness to learn whether new to the field or seasoned with years of experience.

This past summer, searching for a new Director of Development I realized that what I expected, and what I ultimately found, was nothing less than a polished, knowledgeable, and accomplished professional. If what we expect is high caliber professionals we must work together to foster and facilitate that. Our AFP Chapter has the responsibility to promote excellence throughout our sector, to generate energy and new ideas for seasoned professionals, to encourage and create opportunities for emerging fundraisers, and to welcome newcomers to our field with mentoring, guidance, and education.

The non-profit world was once thought of as the 'non-business' world but those days are gone. We now know it takes sharp business acumen, defined targets, and measurable objectives to demonstrate efficacy. It takes understanding human dynamics, an ability to relate to and manage people, and in-depth knowledge of relevant laws and ethical standards. And the reason for this… Because the non-profit business serves people and causes that keep our world in balance, ensuring we treat people -- young, old, sick, or dying -- justly and with respect. It is the world that keeps arts and creativity alive, lays the foundation for excellence in education and health care, and ensures our land is nurtured and cared for. It is the world that reminds us of the need for humane treatment of all creatures. It's the world that often makes us smile and tear up all in the same day.

I am proud to be President of AFP Monterey Bay – an organization dedicated to enhancing the effective and ethical practice of fundraising. I have the absolute honor of working with a star-studded Board of Directors who shares my vision for this all-important profession. Please visit this website and be an active, involved member of our profession. Let this be the year you reach out, reach high, and reach beyond your dreams to make the world you have the power to impact far richer for your efforts.

Siobhan Greene, President, AFP Monterey Bay